Cambodian students showcased their mathematical prowess by claiming a total of 79 medals across various competitions at the Singapore International Math Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) 2024, held in Singapore from July 20 to 24.

Their impressive haul includes 11 gold, 21 silver, and 33 bronze medals, along with 14 honourable mentions, highlighting their exceptional talent and dedication.

SIMOC is a renowned annual competition that gathers young math enthusiasts from across the globe. 

Aiming to nurture and promote mathematical talent, it provides a global platform for students to demonstrate their skills and engage with peers in the spirit of friendly competition.

The event features three main disciplines: the Individual Math Olympiad (MO), Math Warrior (MW), and Math Master Mind (MMM), along with the Mind Sport (MS) brain teaser team competition. 

Counting up the victories

Cambodian students achieved remarkable success in the MO, securing three gold, eight silver, 17 bronze medals and 14 honourable mentions across grades 1 to 12. 

In the MW and MMM competitions, they continued to excel, bringing home four gold, eight silver and four bronze medals in the lower division, two gold, three silver and seven bronze in the middle division, and two gold, two silver and five bronze in the upper division.

This prestigious event brought together about 2,300 participants from 30 countries, including Cambodia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Indonesia, India, Laos, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Jordan, New Zealand, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Philippines, Ghana, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Iran, Japan, UAE Dubai, Kyrgyzstan, China, Canada, Vietnam, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

Among the candidates, 119 were from Cambodia, representing 41 educational institutions from Phnom Penh and several provinces.

The team was led by the Brainiac Factory, accompanied by 11 teachers. The students were drawn from both public and private institutions, with notable contributions from Southbridge International School Cambodia (16 candidates), Nira International School (11 candidates), Tia International School of Phnom Penh (8 candidates) and ICS International School (8 candidates).

The Cambodian team comprised students from grades 1 to 11, with the largest groups from grades 3, 4 and 5. 

“These students earned their spots at SIMOC by excelling in local competitions such as the Singapore International Asia Mathematical Competition (SASMO) and the American Mathematical Competition (AMO),” explained Yem Sophorn, managing director of the Brainiac Factory. 

“The Cambodian candidates showcased their skills in many categories, excelling in both individual and team events, which emphasised 21st-century skills like communication, teamwork, cooperation and leadership,” he added.

He noted the importance of such competitions in enhancing students' mathematical knowledge and soft skills, while also fostering international friendships.

Multiplying family pride

Sophorn highlighted the participation of Hun Pichmonyrithyseth, son of Prime Minister Hun Manet, who also claimed gold at SASMO 2024. 

Each discipline at SIMOC 2024 offered medals, with candidates able to win up to three. High achievers were also eligible for additional trophies, including overall champion, 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up.

Pichmonyrithyseth, a grade 1 student at the International School of Phnom Penh, earned a silver medal, ranking 1st for his school and country, and 17th globally. 

Senate president Hun Sen took to social media to share his pride at his grandson’s accomplishments.

“Chao [grandson] Rithyseth won silver and bronze medals at the Singapore exams,” he wrote. 

“This was different than in Dubai, where he studied in kindergarten but had to take an exam with first graders,” he added.

Sengsamrach Sereyroth, a Grade 2 student at ICS International School, also secured two medals, further showcasing Cambodia's growing talent in mathematics.

Henry Ong, SIMOC president, highlighted the benefits of participating in the competition in an invitation letter to all contestants.

“It provides an opportunity for students to interact with talented peers from around the world, exchange knowledge, and broaden their perspectives,” he wrote.

“Additionally, it helps enhance their problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and mathematical knowledge, which are valuable assets throughout their academic journey," he added.

Chea Samrach, who accompanied her daughter to Singapore for the competition shared that her 8-year-old daughter Seng Samrach Sereyroth, a grade 2 student at ICS International School, won silver medals in the Maths Warrior and Mind Sports categories, as well as an honourable mention in the Math Olympia. 

“Before entering the competition, she received a medal as the best student in the country. This meant she was eligible to register for the international level exams in Singapore," she said.

“Parents are happy to see that their children have the courage to study hard enough to participate in international exams. Whether they win a medal or not, it is a fantastic academic experience for them,” she told The Post.

The winners from SIMOC will receive more than just medals; they have also acquired scholarship points and can participate in the Young Leadership Camp (YALA) in China later this year. 

“They will also gain valuable experiences and relationships that will support their future academic and professional endeavours,” said Sophorn. 

“The success of Cambodian students at SIMOC 2024 was a testament to their hard work, dedication and the support of their schools and families,” he added.

With increasing participation and impressive achievements, Cambodia continues to make significant strides in the field of mathematics on the international stage.